7 anxiety disorders: Stimuli and fears

December 12, 2019

Because appropriate early treatment of anxiety disorders is key to either preventing or reducing a negative impact on a child's life, it's important for the clinician to diagnose the correct disorder by identifying the "threat" and feared stimuli. Here's a look at 7 types of anxiety disorders and their common behaviors.

Disorder type

Separation anxiety disorder: Excessive fear/anxiety about being separated from a major person of attachment.

Common behaviors

Sleeping with caregiver, following them around, avoiding school/camp/other activities.

Disorder type

Generalized anxiety disorder: General feeling of dread linked to the perception of the unpredictability or uncontrollability of events or situations.

Common behaviors

Seeks constant reassurance, difficulty focusing due to worries, difficulty sleeping, irritable/restless.

Disorder type

Social anxiety disorder: Fear of embarrassment or humiliation by others.

Common behaviors

Avoidance behaviors (raising hand or speaking in class, ordering food in restaurants, talking on the phone).

Disorder type

Panic disorder: Fear of panic attacks or consequences.

Common behaviors

Avoids activities, such as heavy exercise, linked to strong sensations; avoids places where prior panic attacks have occurred.

Disorder type

Agoraphobia: Fear of being in places where escape may be difficult or help not available.

Common behaviors

Avoids leaving the house and crowded/enclosed spaces.

Disorder type

Specific phobia: Fear of specific object or situation.

Common behaviors

Intense fear of specific objects, such as an animal, needles, or blood, and avoids them.

Disorder type

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Fear of unwanted thoughts, images, or urges.

Common behaviors

Constant worries about germs, harming others; engages in ritualized activities such as hand washing.